NASA Scientist Estimates 34,000 Farm Fires in Punjab and Haryana
· India · NDTV
Dr. Hiren Jethva, an aerosol remote sensing scientist with NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre and Morgan State University, has challenged official farm fire counts in Punjab and Haryana. His analysis indicates that the actual number of farm fires in the region reached 34,000, significantly higher than the 4,500 figure reported by local authorities. The scientist utilized satellite-based aerosol remote sensing data to arrive at this higher estimate. The discrepancy highlights a major gap in the monitoring and reporting of agricultural residue burning. The report does not specify the exact methodology used by local authorities to arrive at their lower count.
Why it matters
The significant undercounting of farm fires complicates efforts to address the severe air pollution crisis affecting North India, particularly during the winter months. Accurate data is essential for policymakers to design effective interventions and hold stakeholders accountable for stubble burning.
Read the original report — NDTV
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.